Accounting Specialist

Position Overview

The Shared Service Centers Finance at the University of Kansas is searching for an Accounting Specialist position. The day-to-day finance activities in the SSC will be conducted by Accountants and Accounting Specialists. These positions will be responsible for working with assigned units, departments and centers as well as the SSC Finance Manager and/or Director to perform financial business activities in an environment of excellent client service. The positions will use accounting skills to perform financial support functions for the departments, provide departments with accurate and timely information to make decisions, and ensure efficient transaction processing.

The SSC Accounting Specialist will provide timely and professional services that support or enhance the administrative and service goals of the units served. The SSC Accounting Specialist will report to the SSC Finance Manager or SSC Accountant, and will be responsible for transaction processing for the units served.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.


Job Description

60% - Responsible for purchasing and resource management, following University, KUCR and
Endowment guidelines and regulations; including documentation:

• Processes payments and purchase requisitions through university financial systems and determines appropriate account and funding for payment.
• Develops unit processes to ensure that appropriate funding sources are used and that resources are available for purchases; audits and reviews procurement card purchases to ensure procedures for compliance with University, Endowment and KUCR accounting systems are followed.
• Manages travel reimbursements; reviews all travel requests to ensure that expenditures and reimbursements are in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations; processes payments and reimbursements as appropriate.
• Knowledgeable of university purchasing and bid procedures, contracts, and federal regulations to ensure appropriate purchases are made.
• Processes accounts receivable transactions in university financial system.
• Works with the Finance Manager to resolve problems related to billing errors, non-receipt of invoices and discrepancies between statements and records.
• Verifies scholarship recipients, processes posting forms to Financial Aid and Scholarship and provides data and reports to the Chair or Director upon request.

30% - Responsible for monitoring fiscal operations for each unit/department/center served; including, but
not limited to:

• Participates in day-to-day fiscal operations to ensure compliance with established University,
• Endowment and KUCR accounting principles, policies and objectives.
• May monitor posted expenses and process cost transfers when needed; ensures that expenditures follow all University and Endowment processes and procedures; identifies discrepancies to supervisor and unit Director/Chair.
• Works with the Finance Manager to inform and assist the Director/Chair with operational needs and related budgetary impact.
• Works with the Finance Manager to provide the Director/Chair with financial information to assist in the development of the annual operating budget.
• Works with the Finance Manager to provide non-standard reports and statements as requested.
• Gathers data for and prepares budgetary, statistical, reconciliation and other requested reports for leadership and SSC Director and Finance Manager.
• May monitor accounts receivable, revenues and expenses.
• Escalates questions as appropriate to the SSC Finance Manager and/or the Chair/Director.

10% - Other SSC Responsibilities

• Coordinates with central finance on the interpretation and communication of finance policies, procedures, and programs.
• Reviews and recommends changes to department and SSC procedures to ensure compliance with policy; prepares and updates procedural manuals and related instructional materials.
• Serves as a resource to department staff and faculty to ensure compliance with policy.
• Participates in department meetings and events to maintain knowledge of the department and relationship with the faculty and staff.
• Attends regular meetings, training sessions and professional development workshops/seminars to keep current on policies and procedures relevant to position responsibilities, as requested and approved by the SSC Finance Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position is designated as fully remote, meaning most activities will be performed from an agreed upon off-campus location. Some in-person activities such as meetings with departments, trainings and team meetings will be required on occasion.

Required Qualifications

1. High School diploma or GED equivalency and four years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
2. Computer skills in a PC/Windows environment including MS Word and MS Excel as demonstrated by application materials and previous experience.
3. Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail as demonstrated by application

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience using a financial ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system), such as Oracle Financials (FITC), Concur, Maximo, Central Square (OneSolution), etc.
2. Experience with fund accounting.
3. Prior work experience requiring Analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Informational writing experience with program and training materials through mediums such as the web, social media, brochures, manuals.
5. Experience working both independently and a team environment.
6. Experience managing multiple tasks and assignments in a deadline driven environment.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).

Application review begins Monday, November 2nd. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, November 1st.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, View email address on click.appcast.io, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, View phone number on click.appcast.io, 711 TTY.